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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Hey NFB Family and Friends,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>I hope everyone is doing alright and enjoying the beautiful weather. Smile and pass it along, you never know how much a smile on your face and a smile in your voice can brighten someone\u2019s day!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>IMPORTANT! The Membership Committee, Corresponding Secretary and Communications Committee are working together to better advertise and promote chapter events and meetings, starting June 1<sup>st</sup>. What does this mean to you? Teisha, Communications Chair, has been sending a form twice per month to get chapter information; in addition to this form, I\u2019ll be calling Presidents to encourage the form be completed, with enough time to advertise your events on our announce list and on our social media platforms. Members will have more time to plan, allowing current members to attend more events and encourage perspective members to also plan and attend more of our events. We are a very vibrant and busy affiliate, let\u2019s show the world what we do and support our chapters, more, by attending exciting chapter meetings and events!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Spotlight On\u2026<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🌟</span> <b>A Summer of Empowerment for Blind and Low-Vision Children!</b> <span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🌟</span><o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>This summer, give your child the chance to <i>grow</i>, <i>connect</i>, and <i>learn</i> in a vibrant, supportive environment at the <b>NFB BELL Academy</b>! Hosted in beautiful Virginia Beach from <b>June 22-27</b>, this fun, enriching program is designed for children ages 6\u201313 who are blind or have low vision.<o:p></o:p></p><h3><o:p> </o:p></h3><h3>Why should your child attend?<o:p></o:p></h3><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>\u2728</span> <b>Boost Non-Visual Skills & Braille Mastery</b> \u2013 The NFB BELL Academy offers hands-on activities and engaging lessons that help children build confidence in everyday life skills, including learning Braille in a fun, interactive setting.<o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>\u2728</span> <b>Make New Friends & Build a Community</b> \u2013 Your child will meet other blind and low-vision kids, forming lasting friendships and learning that they are part of a supportive, encouraging community.<o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>\u2728</span> <b>Exciting Games, Crafts & Field Trips</b> \u2013 Imagine a week filled with accessible activities, creative crafts, and exciting field trips! Each experience is designed with your child's unique needs in mind.<o:p></o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>\u2728</span> <b>Inspiring Role Models</b> \u2013 Throughout the week, children will meet and learn from blind role models who will show them that anything is possible, fostering independence and self-confidence.<o:p></o:p></p><h3><o:p> </o:p></h3><h3>Event Details:<o:p></o:p></h3><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><ul type=disc><li style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>📅</span> <b>When:</b> June 22-27, 2025<o:p></o:p></li><li style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>📍</span> <b>Where:</b> 2225 Rose Hall Dr., Virginia Beach, VA<o:p></o:p></li><li style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🕒</span> <b>Schedule:</b> Family Kickoff on Sunday, June 22 (3:00-5:00 p.m.), with daily sessions from 8:00 a.m. \u2013 3:00 p.m. M-F for registered children. Families must provide overnight accommodations.<o:p></o:p></li><li style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🍽\ufe0f</span> <b>Meals:</b> Lunch and snacks provided \u2013 no fee to register!<o:p></o:p></li><li style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🚗</span> <b>Transportation:</b> While field trip transportation is provided, please plan for transportation to and from camp each day. Some families choose to share transportation and accommodation, so please reach out if you have concerns or want to be connected. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><h3><o:p> </o:p></h3><h3>Don\u2019t miss this opportunity to empower your child for the future!<o:p></o:p></h3><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p><span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>📅</span> <b>Register by June 1st, 2025</b> \u2013 Don't delay as space is limited.<o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p><b>Sign up now at:</b><br><a href="http://www.nfb.org/bell" target="_blank">www.nfb.org/bell</a><o:p></o:p></p><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p>Have questions? Reach out to <b>Louise Walch</b>, Virginia Coordinator, at <b><a href="mailto:louisewalch@gmail.com" target="_blank">louisewalch@gmail.com</a></b> or call/text <b>(210) 683-3729</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><h3><o:p> </o:p></h3><h3>Let\u2019s make this summer unforgettable for your child! <span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🎉</span><o:p></o:p></h3><p><o:p> </o:p></p><p><b>NFB BELL Academy</b> \u2013 Helping blind and low-vision children live the lives they imagine. <span style='font-family:"Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif'>🌟</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Aptos",serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Aptos",serif'>Louise Walch<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Aptos",serif'>National Federation of the Blind of Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Aptos",serif'>Coordinator, Children and Youth Programs<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Aptos",serif'>(210) 683-3729 (Cell)<a href="mailto:louisewalch@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style='color:#467886'>louisewalch@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:115%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Aptos",serif'><a href="http://www.nfb.org/bell" target="_blank"><span style='color:#467886'>www.nfb.org/bell</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Your journey through blindness zoom calls are scheduled for the 2<sup>nd</sup> Monday of each month from 7 thru 8:30 PM. This is a safe place for blind and low vision people to learn new strategies on how to do things non visually, tips and tricks to make life easier, talking with others who get it because they are in the same situations you are, get to make new friends and relax knowing you aren\u2019t alone in this world! Please join us on June 9<sup>th</sup>, on our affiliate zoom and see what everyone is raving about!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif;color:black'>Hello NFBV Family! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif;color:black'>Remember to Zoom in for our next Fireside Chat, scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Affiliate Zoom! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif;color:black'>With all the doom and gloom happening in our world these days, we need to add a little joy to the mix! We'll hit on celebrating joy in our lives and share our stories, laughter, and yes...joy! This truly will be a time to unwind, laugh and spend a relaxing evening with your NFB Family!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style",serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Renée Valdez<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>703-966-0836<span style='font-size:11.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>Hello NFBV World!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>The Greater Alexandria Chapter and the Virginia Association of Blind Students are planning something special in June! It\u2019s all about health and wellness! We want to share an experience of<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>movement & <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>meditation;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>breathing & relaxation! And fun! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>We still don\u2019t know what to call this event\u2026yet! We promise it will be GREAT!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>Here is what we know for sure! It is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lyon Village Community Center, 1920 N. Highland Street, Arlington, VA, 22201. The cost will be $20 per person and, along with all the fun and educational wellness opportunities, we will provide a light lunch to keep you going! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>If you would like to reserve your spot for our amazing health-wellness-movement-breathing day, please send your payment to our GAC Zelle account using <a href="mailto:NFBVGAC1@GMAIL.COM" target="_blank">NFBVGAC1@GMAIL.COM</a>. And please send an email to me at <a href="mailto:reneefvaldez@gmail.com" target="_blank">reneefvaldez@gmail.com</a>to let me know you paid and plan to attend!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:21.0pt;color:black'>GAC and VABS are going all out for health and wellness this June! We will provide more information in our next announcement! Stay tuned!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Renée Valdez<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>703-966-0836<span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Darkness can not drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate can not drive out hate, only love can do that! -Martin Luther King<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Peace,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Jacki Bruce<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Corresponding Secretary NFBV<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com">mailto:jackibruce6@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="tel:(757)291-1789">tel:(757)291-1789</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Membership Chair<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="mailto:membership@nfbv.org">mailto:membership@nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="tel:(757)354-4170">tel:(757)354-4170</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Find us on Facebook @NationalFederationoftheBlindofVirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Find us on Instragram @nfbofvirginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>Subscribe to our Youtube: NFB Virginia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><a href="http://www.nfbv.org/">www.nfbv.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>STRONGER TOGETHER!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>